Among the advances offered to it users, Windows 7's handling of virtual memory is the most efficient to date. Notwithstanding, every bit the RAM in a computer increases, so must the size of the pagefile to arrange the larger chapters of computer memory.

There are several advantages to starting each Windows 7 session with a cleared pagefile. Acquire nigh virtual retentiveness and how to force Windows seven to clear your virtual memory pagefile whenever the operating system shuts down.

What is Virtual Memory?

The amount of memory you can put into your computer is finite. To brand more efficient use of information that your computer must keep rail of, Windows seven uses a small-scale portion of your difficult drive to simulate more than memory and make memory allocation more attainable by applications.

The amount of difficult drive space fix aside for virtual memory ranges from zippo to about one to 2 times the retention y'all have installed in your figurer. There is a lot of debate as to how much retention Windows should set aside for virtual retentivity just 1.5 times the concrete memory in a PC is the full general heuristic.

Why Clear Virtual Retention?

When you shutdown Windows 7, the data in your computer'southward RAM is lost considering PC memory is volatile. This means that once power is cutting from the computer all data in the retentiveness is lost. Since virtual retention is stored on the hard drive, what remains in the virtual memory at shutdown will notwithstanding be there when you lot starting time upwardly your computer at your next session.

Virtual memory is quite secure within Windows 7 because only the operating organization has the authority to read and write to the virtual retention pagefile. However, at that place are some security risks involved.

If you dual kicking your computer, it is possible for someone to gain admission and read data from the pagefile when using the other operating system because Windows 7 isn't running and tin can't protect the file. A lesser threat is the possibility that a virus or other maleware could corrupt or steal the information in virtual memory.

One way to combat this is to only take Windows 7 delete the virtual memory pagefile whenever the operating system shuts downward. The 1 disadvantage to this is that it tin can add together upwardly to three minutes to your shutdown time equally Windows vii clears the ii to 16 gigabyte file. The choice to clear the pagefile at shutdown is a question of security vs. convenience.

How to Articulate Virtual Memory Pagefile at Shutdown

To force Windows 7 to clear the virtual retention pagefile at shutdown, begin by logging in to the operating system using an account with administrative privileges.

Notation: This method will not work for users who have the Abode or Starter editions of Windows considering yous cannot access the local security policy.

Then, click on Get-go>All Programs>Administrative Tools>Local Security Policy. This will open up the Local Security Policy options window.

Windows 7 Local Security Policy

In the left hand pane, click on the Local Polices Binder and and then click on the Security Options binder. This will display a variety of local figurer security policies from which to choose for your PC.

Windows 7 Local Policies Security Options

In the correct mitt pane, locate an option titled Shutdown: Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile. Right click on this choice and choose Backdrop.

Windows 7 Shutdown Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile

On the Local Security Setting tab, choose the Enabled pick. Click the OK push and now every fourth dimension y'all shut Windows 7 down, your PC's virtual retentiveness pagefile will exist cleared of all data.

Windows 7 Shutdown Clear Virtual Memory Pagefile Properties

The data left in your virtual memory pagefile is a security risk, especially if yous dual boot your PC with another operating system as well Windows 7. Past forcing Windows 7 to clear your pagefile, you have a more than secure estimator and at that place will be no leftover information in your pagefile to slow you lot downward. In fact, many people report a generally better Windows 7 experience when they start each session with nothing in virtual retentivity.